|
|
Recent Reviews for Jean Pike
|
Whispers in Autumn (Book) - 2/26/2012 7:24:57 PM
A great excerpt, Jean. Very strong narrative in the last three paragraphs.
Whispers in Autumn (Book) - 4/6/2010 6:34:42 PM
Whispers in Autumn, the latest in M Jean Pike’s Love on the Lake series, is a fantastic read.
Dove Denning has come to Shadow Lake for the wedding of her friend, Emma. Dove is both blessed and cursed with the gift of seeing the spirits of those who have passed on. And from her first day at the resort it’s obvious those spirits have important things to tell her.
Dusty Martin works at the Shadow Lake Campground. He is desperate to put closure on the death of his teen aged daughter eight years earlier. The two of them are instantly drawn to each other; and they begin to find that they can help one another overcome their respective demons.
I don’t want to give away the surprising, emotionally charged ending. But I will say that Ms. Pike has outdone herself in making all of her characters come alive and in making Shadow Lake a very real and enchanting place. And just as important, she has an amazing ability to make the paranormal real, and very believable.
Whispers in Autumn is smart, powerful fiction that pulls you into the lives of complex people and makes you care about them. I strongly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.
Shadow Lake (Book) - 6/16/2009 7:56:52 PM
I can't wait to read it.
Shadow Lake (Book) - 4/6/2009 1:05:58 PM
You're getting wonderful reviews already, Jean!
I ordered my copy of Shadow Lake this morning.
Larry
In The Shadow of the Dragonfly (Book) - 10/8/2008 2:23:37 PM
Congratualtions. Another winner I am sure. Liz
In The Shadow of the Dragonfly (Book) - 9/30/2008 1:57:18 PM
Congrats again, Jean! I love the cover and the cover blurb.
My copy is on its way here.
Heatherfield (Book) - 8/30/2008 2:47:10 PM
Jean, I finished Heatherfield last night; each beautifully crafted sentence kept me in suspense right up to the last page. Tory and Jake were compelling, believable characters and the paranormal twist made their relationship especially appealing to me. "Bravo" for your captivating love story. I only wish it didn't have to end. Donelle
Heatherfield (Book) - 3/29/2008 2:39:05 PM
Jean,
I definitely need to read this. I look forward to it.
Terry
Heatherfield (Book) - 2/14/2008 12:04:01 PM
Jean Pike has created an outstanding novel with Heatherfield.
She takes the reader back to New York State in the 1940s and does it convincingly, something not every author can do. And she deftly combines a love story with the paranormal in a way that makes it totally believable.
The reader can’t help but love the central characters. I would like to say more about the story itself; but it wouldn’t be fair to future readers who need to experience this intricate plot and group of complex characters for themselves. The ending will literally give you goose bumps.
I thought Heatherfield was an absolute joy to read.
Larry H
Heatherfield (Book) - 1/19/2008 9:57:31 AM
Congratulations on Heatherfield, Jean. Everything I see about it would make it a truly entertaining, astonishing story to read, and I intend to, especially knowing the talent it comes from...Jerry
Waiting for the Rain (Book) - 1/15/2008 6:54:52 PM
Reading WAITING FOR THE RAIN, I was transformed into a story that was enticing with its mysteries, heart warming in the beautiful love affair that ended so tragically, and then the icing on the cake with the paranormal twist to the story. This book is a true treasure from a natural storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in M. Jean Pike's world she created. Liz
Waiting for the Rain (Book) - 10/14/2007 1:07:52 PM
Romance novelist, Jean Pike, has nailed it with her heartwarming WAITING FOR THE RAIN. When twenty-eight year old Willow Mackenzie is diagnosed with a brain tumor her life tumbles into an abyss and more shattering news follows as her husband, Tom reveals he wants a divorce. Unwilling to tell Tom about her impending death, she keeps the secret from him and allows him to continue with divorce proceedings. Trying to get her life in order, she finds herself in Baker's Gulley, an off the beaten path whose terrain is known for the elusive eagle, an eagle she desperately wants to capture on film. Due to a flat tire, she begins walking. From out of nowhere, a small cottage, overgrown with roses pulls her into the captivating scene. She knows it will be the perfect place to live to wait out her impending death. Then again, she didn't intend for Darby Sullivan, a war hero to enter her life. Who is Darby Sullivan and why does the land around the cottage appear to be so perfectly beautiful while the surrounding area is drab and lifeless? Does Darby hold the key to the fountain of youth and will he be able to save Willow from dying? Perfect, tender love captivates Willow (Willy) and Darby in a love story so remarkable, you will have to read the book to understand Darby's fear of growing old and Willow's recovery. This love story will pull you into the depths of an unselfish, heartbreaking love story so complete, you won't be able to put down this compelling drama, WAITING FOR THE RAIN. Two thumbs up for Jean Pike. Well done.
Waiting for the Rain (Book) - 8/5/2007 5:08:50 PM
In this age of fast-moving car crashes and female ninjas from the planet Xanthrou, it’s not often that I find a movie or book that touches me, makes me cry, but Jean Pike’s work never fails. Short story or novel, ‘normal’ or paranormal, she always weaves a story that draws me in and holds me until I read the last page.
Waiting for the Rain is a beautiful story and though I bought an ebook copy, I can’t wait until it’s out in print so I can place it on my shelf along with my other favorites. A beautiful story, one I’ll read again and again
Waiting for the Rain (Book) - 8/2/2007 10:04:14 PM
Being in the South is really like being within a world of itself.
There is obviously so much there and certainly not enough writers who can convey that dynamic and full range of emotions, lifestyles, and character traits which always seem so revelatory and surprising.
which is what this story might be trying to accomplish. Each time I read about the South or Southern characters, I always ask, "Are these people for real?" I just can't believe that some people still talk, think, and act within the manner that they do. Well, love is the connection that unites all people - I always perceive the want or longing and "hankering" or now perhaps even stereotype and cliche for certain traits of the characters - that is, "the muscular physique, the strength of his hands, etc ..."
What's important and what I usually acquire from Southern love stories or stories set within the South is the knowledge and information about the characters' lifestyles, mores, and abilities, i.e. "fixing the truck, offering the $20 dollars, etc ..." I know that if not most people, then especially Southerners, have been predicating themselves upon "acquaintance" i.e. getting to know each other for compatibiity to include each other's past, history, background, feelings, pains, etc ... Normally things that I would only reveal if already acquainted with a person for some time. Or maybe like the stranger in town, things that I would never reveal to anyone. I know that these characters by M. Jean Pike will further develop according to that dramatic standard where they realize some flaw about themselves, try to change, and then become better people.
Waiting for the Rain (Book) - 8/1/2007 2:13:05 AM
Jean Pike is an exceptional writer that is never satisfied with less than perfection in her work. Few people have the uncanny ability to touch the emotions of their reader like Pike does, and in her new novel, ”Waiting for The Rain” she does it again. Her characters are real and she makes it impossible not to get involved with their story. It’s a love story that survives this world and the next. Although I usually like everything she writes, I do think that “Waiting for the Rain is her best work so far.
Waiting for the Rain (Book) - 7/31/2007 8:05:36 PM
Sounds like a winner to me...anxiously awaiting the paperback!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
Waiting for the Rain (Book) - 7/31/2007 3:24:49 PM
If you're looking for something fresh, unique and extremely well written, then don't hesitate to get your copy of "Waiting For The Rain". Not a typical genre romance, the characters are so real, you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat while you root for them to overcome the almost insurmountable obstacles in their path. I think I chewed everyone of my fingernails off while reading the last few chapters. Be sure to have your Kleenx handy, you'll need them. I experienced so many emotions while reading this beautiful story and cried like a baby when I finished it. Bravo, Jean, for a truly wonderful reading experience.
The Winds of Autumn (Book) - 5/25/2007 7:48:20 PM
Jean’s writing consumes the reader. Forget passive reading, you fall into Littlebrook feeling you’re a part of the action. Her characters come alive with emotions in so much you can feel your sentiments raise and fall with every peak and valley. You will feel compassion, fear, hatred, sadness, all of them at varying levels as the story reaches its ultimate climax. Recommended reading for one and all.
The Winds of Autumn (Book) - 4/1/2007 4:24:59 PM
Excellent job, Jean. The Winds of Autumn was a pleasure to read. The characters and setting are very believable, including the parnormal appearances. The plot is tight, fast moving; and kept me turning pages from the beginning all the way to a very satisfying conclusion. I ended it wanting to know more about Angel and Don and Littlebrook.
The Winds of Autumn (Book) - 3/17/2007 10:22:23 AM
This sounds like a great story . I hope it has sold well! Congratulations on its publication.....M
The Winds of Autumn (Book) - 1/26/2007 12:11:20 PM
"The Winds of Autumn" is one of my most prized possessions. Not only is the cover art mysterious and beautiful, but the story itself is a wonderfully romantic page turner with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat and the paranormal aspect is done to perfection. Add to that the fact that Ms. Pike is a truly talented and outstanding writer and you've got a true winner.
Shadow Lake Excerpt (Short Story) - 3/4/2009 6:06:58 AM
Jean, this was a fascinating peek at your novel. One of those special "chapter ones" that grab your attention and keep it.
Connie
Shadow Lake Excerpt (Short Story) - 3/1/2009 6:58:54 AM
I was drawn to the title and the mysterious character, the man Emma talked with. I think this is another Jean Pike special in the making... shades of "FunnyMan". BTW, once it is out, I now know where to procure my copy fast. Cheers my friend.
Sincerely,
Regino
Shadow Lake Excerpt (Short Story) - 2/28/2009 5:38:49 PM
I can’t believe how much you’ve told us about Emma in a few short paragraphs. Your characters are always interesting, always multi-layered. Definitely looking forward to Shadow Lake.
Larry
Shadow Lake Excerpt (Short Story) - 2/28/2009 2:45:16 PM
Nice job, can't wait to read the rest....
Shadow Lake Excerpt (Short Story) - 2/28/2009 12:52:04 PM
Sounds like an interesting write and wish you continued success in this endeavor.
Fee
In The Shadow of The Dragonfly - Excerpt (Short Story) - 6/14/2008 1:03:11 PM
Gripping prose; extremely compelling; congratulations, Jean. This makes the reader want to read more. Love and best wishes to you,
Regis
In The Shadow of The Dragonfly - Excerpt (Short Story) - 6/12/2008 10:13:28 AM
Ooh, kept me hooked...and even though I sorta had an idea of what was going to happen to his mama, it was still sort of a zinger when I read the next line! And already I'm concerned about poor little Gray's fate! I couldn't wait to keep reading till the end!
:-) April
In The Shadow of The Dragonfly - Excerpt (Short Story) - 5/29/2008 10:38:22 AM
A little different from your other works but, just the same, it kept me rushing towards the end. I hope it will be at Bangkok bookstores soon. I'm eager to find out who is really Mama, what's she doing, and what happens to Gray. It's always been a good read with you Jean. Thank you for posting this splendid preview. GodBless my friend.
Sincerely,
Regino
In The Shadow of The Dragonfly - Excerpt (Short Story) - 5/14/2008 9:37:25 AM
Holy Cow, Jean! You dragged me screaming through this. --A first rate book this is going to be. --Charlie
In The Shadow of The Dragonfly - Excerpt (Short Story) - 5/11/2008 8:09:26 PM
Amazing! This sounds most compelling. I can't wait to read more...
In The Shadow of The Dragonfly - Excerpt (Short Story) - 5/11/2008 4:37:48 PM
Powerful write, Jean; very well penned! Nice to see you here; you've been missed!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(
In The Shadow of The Dragonfly - Excerpt (Short Story) - 5/11/2008 2:25:38 PM
If this is chapter 3 and I'm already crying, what am I going to do through the rest of the book? Very well written. So real and vivid. Brilliant, just brilliant. No wonder your books sell. Excellent. Liz
In The Shadow of The Dragonfly - Excerpt (Short Story) - 5/11/2008 2:18:46 PM
This is a very powerful chapter, Jean. I really hope that things get better for Gray. You’ve definitely made us care about him. We have the Jean Pike attention to detail and wonderfully descriptive lines (the Dragonfly hotel sat like an angry god – great one!) and character insights that we’ve come to expect. But they’re in a much darker setting than we’re used to. I’m definitely looking forward to reading this one.
Larry
In The Shadow of The Dragonfly - Excerpt (Short Story) - 5/11/2008 10:23:02 AM
Exceptionally done, Jean. Very vivid descriptions, very vivid story line. It makes you hurt for the poor little guy. It seems quite a turn from your other work. Glad you could post. I've tried putting up a new work on AD twice this morning, and it simply lost it, my site wouldn't put it up at all. Anyway, back to your work. This is a great introduction for the book...Jerry
Fiction Vixen Reviews Whispers! (Article) - 3/4/2010 5:00:32 PM
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Now an agent and a real writing contract. Love it coming together for you. Hugs, Liz
Working Girl reviews Gives Whispers in Autumn Golden Slipper! (Article) - 3/4/2010 4:59:07 PM
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. I know there will be a day when your books will be on the shelves of Barnes and Noble, and Borders. Write on. Hugs, Liz
|
| |
|
